The malnutrition rate among children in Ho Chi Minh City has been reduced remarkably over the years, according to a report released by the city’s Institute of Nutrition during a recent nutritional conference.

Accordingly, only 5.9 percent and 7.7 percent of the city’s children under five suffer from underweight and under-height problems respectively, the lowest in comparison to other cities and provinces.

Meanwhile, the underweight and under-height rates among Vietnamese children in general are 16.5 percent and 27.5 percent, respectively.

Understandably, the overweight and obesity rates among the city’s children and adults have been increasing at an alarming speed as the city dwellers often consume foods high in saturated fat, salt, sugar, and low-fiber foods.

According to local experts, parents should let their children play and sunbathe regularly and provide them with foods rich in sources of calcium Vitamin D such as milk, crab, fish and shellfish.

Source: Tuoi Tre